Notes from "the forum" 02-20-2009

Friday, February 20th, 2009 - Discussion of “Framing Stories”

The idea that is being presented is that you can radically change the perception of a piece of art or photograph by the type of frame you choose to mount it in. Likewise the way that you react to the art/photograph may be different depending on the chosen frame.

These “Framing Stories” could also be described as cultural drives. At the core of a cultural movement there is a Framing Story being applied that turns the gears and creates the movement.

Six common stories that drive the systems of the world (empire):

Domination Story – Peace and Security through being in control
This is the most common
Likened to “If only we were in charge”
Revolution Story – Peace and Security through (violent) overthrow of oppressors.
Also could be called a “Revenge Story”
Likened to “If only they weren’t in control”
Purification Story – Peace and Security through shaming/blaming, scapegoating, and excluding a minority.
Purification often follows the Domination -> Revolution Stories after they don’t accomplish the goal of P&S
Likened to “If only those people would change or disappear”
Victimization Story – Peace and Security (and Identity) through preserving the memory of a past injustice.
Likened to “If only our oppressor were brought to justice”
Isolation Story – Peace and Security through withdrawing from the corrupt, doomed majority.
Likened to “If only we could be alone by ourselves to be ourselves”
Accumulation Story – Peace and Security through accumulating possessions in a competitive economy.
Likened to “If only we could buy, enjoy, and stockpile what we desire”

All of these stories are in conflict with each other and more importantly in conflict with the Kingdom of G-d. All of these stories exercise “Power Over” and “Us vs. Them” mentality.

The antithesis to these stories would have to be the “Kingdom of G-d” - The kingdom of G-d is brought about by exercising “Power Under” and “Some of Us for All of Us” mentality. Likened to “When we serve others without consideration for ourselves, then we will bring about the Kingdom of G-d”

Expanded illustration – Imagine how the world’s view of Christianity has changed through the centuries as the frame of the “Christian” religion has changed. Imagine how different Christianity looks in different countries depending on the localized framing story that the indigenous church finds itself in (think of China as an example).